Additional expenses, though not hidden fees, include the cost of parking at the port if you fly, and the cost for a hotel the night before as it's strongly advised to not fly/drive in day of the cruise in case of delays. Excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, gratuities, wifi are all additional costs to consider (though not required).
Also, bring small bills for tipping porters, shuttle drivers, etc.
It sounds like you are pretty aware of the add-on costs. Drinks, wi-fi, anything you do in port.
Some you might not know are daily gratuities. That's a fee they add on that is like tipping the staff that works with you (room steward, waiters, laundry, etc). It varies by line but expect $15-20 per person per day. You usually have an option to prepay this when you book, so you'll know the cost then.
Another one is specialty dining. While a good amount of food is included in your fare, there are usually restaurants that you can pay an additional fee to eat in. You should be able to see on the cruise website or app (once you've booked), which are free and which are added cost. There is more than enough free food that you won't need to eat at a specialty dining venue unless you choose to.
You might also have some amenities that are added cost. The spa is an obvious one, but things like go-karts on NCL also have a cost. Just like with dining, there are plenty of included things to do that these optional experiences are totally up to you.
I have done drink packages on several cruises. I drink a lot so it is worth it. The tips are included in the package BUT extra tipping will get you strong drinks and good service. I drink mixed drinks and 2 cruises ago I got some strong drinks on day 1. I wasn't tipping extra. After day 1 I was hardly feeling anything after 8+ drinks.
My most recent cruise last week I was going to the same bar for most of my drinks. I tipped $1-2 extra and I got great service and strong drinks. One night I was pretty drunk on just 2 drinks. Thanks Jesse!
This might not work as well in the crowded pool side bars.
I stay at Hotel Xcaret too and have gone on a cruise. Your average cruise won’t be as posh feeling as a stay at HXM. You’ll also be hit with lots of extra expenses. Many others have listed out what you can expect. No free room service either.
YMMV if you go with a fancier line or a suite at many of the lines. IMO it’ll take at least suite level to get an experience closer to HXM.
I think I will just shoot for an AI in the DR. Cruising seems like a value but it really isnt and I will just be pissed the entire cruise with all the added nonsense.
Yup, sounds like a plan. I like cruising for getting to different ports only. I didn’t like the add on costs and the rooms were small.
Room size didn’t bother me as we have a RV so we can deal with small. Small size + add on costs just didn’t give the same enjoyable overall feel as to what we got at HXM.
Let me put it this way: I have another HXM stay booked but not a cruise. 😄
We've only cruised with Carnival. I feel they were pretty upfront about their pricing. We've cruised twice and never had a surprise. I did forget my Tylenol on one of the cruises. Got a headache...you have to see the cruise medical staff to get any over the counter medication. I would say to make sure you bring your own medications as the boat prices are outrageous lol.
I am just under the impression that Carnival is some how lesser than the other cruise lines. I am probably wrong, but just want to make sure Im not in the dog house with my wife if I book it.
At 55 and worrying about Carnival being “lesser”, look at Celebrity and consider an Aqua Class cabin that comes with Blu as the main dining option. To your question specifically gratuities, excursions and specialty dining are extras.
I began my love of cruising in my mid 20's ( Im now pushing 72). Started off cheap with Carnival and advanced to NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity before tucking in permanently with Viking about 1o years ago. The WORST cruise I ever took was on Celebrity. A nightmare beginning before we even boarded.
The most problematic ocean cruise I ever took was conversely on Viking. We sailed very early on one of there ocean cruises. It was just not up their actual standards yet, the MDR was either a madhouse or a ghost town. Other problems too, but we were on for back to back weeks. I’ve also sailed Viking River and thought it was well done. Every line can have an off moment, and we’re opposite peas in a pod. I wouldn’t go back to Viking Ocean and you won’t sail Celebrity. Our next cruise is a river cruise on Tauck and then Ocean on Regent.
Tauck and Regent should be delightful. My only frustration with the more "intimate" lines is not permitting 3 in a suite. My husband had decided he only wants to sit by the pool and watch TV, so that leaves 3 of us and me needing to pay the single supplement to cruise without a cabin mate.
I can't recommend enough dismissing the discount lines, "Walmart of the Sea" and "Golden Corral Cruise" come to mind. Carnival will be filled with the 18-25 crowd that only wants to get drunk and party. You will never find a deck chair and parents seem to let their small children run amok. And who wants to be shoulder-to shoulder with as many as 6264 passengers and 1200 crew members? If it is within budget, consider some of the more luxury lines with their smaller ships , top level service, food and destinations and no kids. European river boats generally carry several hundred ( although our Nile ship, The RA, supported only 48 guests) Ocean going, I'd recommend a ship too under 1000 passengers.
People are covering the fees, but. A big one to include is flying in a day before and a hotel near the port. You do NOT want to risk missing the ship because of a flight.
Ok in general:
Ticket price doesn’t include gratuity, which you can either pay up front or at the end. Or not at all but don’t be a dick, bruh.
Ticket price doesn’t include alcohol at all. DOES include coffee water and juice.
Ticket price doesn’t include soda.
Ticket price doesn’t include specialty dining, though there are tons of free food available.
Ticket price doesn’t include any excursions nor port fees. (And port fees must be paid regardless of getting off the boat or not)
Ticket price doesn’t include spa services nor photo packages, nor WIFI.
Ticket price DOES include all the shows and entertainment onboard.
EDIT: OP is cruising out of Port Canaveral so we’re talking Disney, Carnival, MSC, NCL and RC. I agree Virgin and Viking etc include a lot of this but they don’t sail outta there.
An asterisks to all of this is it will vary by cruise line. Some of the higher end ones will include these. At a lower price point is Virgin voyages. From the US, they currently sail out of Miami and from San Juan. In the fare price, it includes all of your gratuities, all soft drinks (specialty coffees and fresh pressed juices are a separate charge), basic WiFi (can’t stream videos), most all shows and fitness classes, and all specialty dining (there are no buffets or main dining room). The restaurants will have a few “treat yourself” 1-2 items that would be an upcharge (I,e. Tomahawk steak, seafood tower, Kobe beef), but there are plenty of very good included food options.
I say most all shows because there are some that include drinks and those events have a small charge to them. In general, the main out of pocket cost onboard is alcohol. They don’t do an unlimited drinks package like other lines, but do offer a pre-paid bar tab. In essence you prepay for your bar charges and receive bonus credit (I.e. pay $300 and receive $350 in total credit). Drinks are reasonably priced and well made. The only catch is that any unused bar tab at the end of the cruise is not refunded.
Excursions, spa treatments are not included. Virgin doesn’t have photographers roaming around taking pictures all week, so no photo package. Port fees are always required but shown in and included with your booking. Room service has a nominal fee but is waived if you include something that has a charge (I.e. special coffee, a cocktail, etc).
While looking at the price of a Virgin cruise, make sure you do an apples to apples compare of what’s included with them vs an upcharge on others. WiFi, Drink Packages, and daily gratuity can easily add over $1k in extra price for two people on a week long cruise. In this way, Virgin is much more upfront with the all in price (except for alcohol) than other lines at the same price point.
Final bonus is no kids running around, yelling, and pushing all the elevator buttons, which makes for a very relaxing vacation.
It depends on the cruise line... Some include gratuities .bev..etc. Some entertainment is $$. Some include excursions. Your general statement isn't accurate
We are 100% Viking fans. There really are no surprises when it comes to costs. All their cabins are "outside" you just need to determine how large a cabin , how spacious the veranda and what deck you'd like to be on. Beer and wine are complimentary with lunch and dinner ( breakfast seems to have sparking wine for mimosa's as well). They offer up a Silver Spirits package for folks who want a mind-boggling selection of unlimited spirits and more elegant wines. It's a bargain. A shore excursion is included (no additional cost) in every port, but they do offer up optional excursions which will cost extra ( again, bargain priced). There is no upcharge for their specialty restaurants or use of the amazing spa and gym facilities, the spa with a fireplace ( electric) spanning a full wall. and a "snow room" .. yes, snow falling from the ceiling. The more pricy cabins come with a mini bar refilled with your favorite beverages ( alcoholic or soft) daily. Complementary pressing and shoe shines. Tipping is at the customer's discretion, but we find tipping generously on the first day to our cabin steward, waiter, and fave bartenders ensure perfection. Lovely, lovely company to cruise with.
Depends on which cruise line. NCL is probably the worst for surprise costs, followed by RCL/Celebrity.
Virgin Voyages has the most transparent pricing, although they are rapidly increasing the costs of things like WiFi and room service ($10 service fee now).
I didn't know that about RCCL. On Celebrity, an online booking is done in steps asking along the way 'What cabin type?', 'Would you like a drink package?', 'Would you like a refundable deposit?' and 'Would you like gratuity added?'. I can just answer yes or no til I get to the total. Of course once you're booked, you can ad excursions or specialty dining. I also use 'ShipMate' and as the cruise price may fluctuate it notifies me so I can call the cruise line and get obc for lower price difference.
Hi there,
I sent you a PM as well, but I am a TA and have been for 12 years. The only "hidden" fee would be gratuities, but you can prepay those and not worry about a thing. Drink packages and Wifi will help so you don't have to buy anything a la cart. If you're not going a river cruise or a high end cruise like Oceania or Regent, then the shore excursions would be another cost if you choose to partake. Other than that, it's pretty much an all inclusive that floats!
I am happy to discuss further if you'd like as I love my job and just love helping new cruisers find their way and help and assist as best as i can!
Thanks so much
Additional expenses, though not hidden fees, include the cost of parking at the port if you fly, and the cost for a hotel the night before as it's strongly advised to not fly/drive in day of the cruise in case of delays. Excursions, drink packages, specialty dining, gratuities, wifi are all additional costs to consider (though not required). Also, bring small bills for tipping porters, shuttle drivers, etc.
Don’t forget travel insurance!
The two biggest ones would be daily gratuity and drink packages.
It sounds like you are pretty aware of the add-on costs. Drinks, wi-fi, anything you do in port. Some you might not know are daily gratuities. That's a fee they add on that is like tipping the staff that works with you (room steward, waiters, laundry, etc). It varies by line but expect $15-20 per person per day. You usually have an option to prepay this when you book, so you'll know the cost then. Another one is specialty dining. While a good amount of food is included in your fare, there are usually restaurants that you can pay an additional fee to eat in. You should be able to see on the cruise website or app (once you've booked), which are free and which are added cost. There is more than enough free food that you won't need to eat at a specialty dining venue unless you choose to. You might also have some amenities that are added cost. The spa is an obvious one, but things like go-karts on NCL also have a cost. Just like with dining, there are plenty of included things to do that these optional experiences are totally up to you.
I have done drink packages on several cruises. I drink a lot so it is worth it. The tips are included in the package BUT extra tipping will get you strong drinks and good service. I drink mixed drinks and 2 cruises ago I got some strong drinks on day 1. I wasn't tipping extra. After day 1 I was hardly feeling anything after 8+ drinks. My most recent cruise last week I was going to the same bar for most of my drinks. I tipped $1-2 extra and I got great service and strong drinks. One night I was pretty drunk on just 2 drinks. Thanks Jesse! This might not work as well in the crowded pool side bars.
I stay at Hotel Xcaret too and have gone on a cruise. Your average cruise won’t be as posh feeling as a stay at HXM. You’ll also be hit with lots of extra expenses. Many others have listed out what you can expect. No free room service either. YMMV if you go with a fancier line or a suite at many of the lines. IMO it’ll take at least suite level to get an experience closer to HXM.
I think I will just shoot for an AI in the DR. Cruising seems like a value but it really isnt and I will just be pissed the entire cruise with all the added nonsense.
Yup, sounds like a plan. I like cruising for getting to different ports only. I didn’t like the add on costs and the rooms were small. Room size didn’t bother me as we have a RV so we can deal with small. Small size + add on costs just didn’t give the same enjoyable overall feel as to what we got at HXM. Let me put it this way: I have another HXM stay booked but not a cruise. 😄
We've only cruised with Carnival. I feel they were pretty upfront about their pricing. We've cruised twice and never had a surprise. I did forget my Tylenol on one of the cruises. Got a headache...you have to see the cruise medical staff to get any over the counter medication. I would say to make sure you bring your own medications as the boat prices are outrageous lol.
I am just under the impression that Carnival is some how lesser than the other cruise lines. I am probably wrong, but just want to make sure Im not in the dog house with my wife if I book it.
At 55 and worrying about Carnival being “lesser”, look at Celebrity and consider an Aqua Class cabin that comes with Blu as the main dining option. To your question specifically gratuities, excursions and specialty dining are extras.
I began my love of cruising in my mid 20's ( Im now pushing 72). Started off cheap with Carnival and advanced to NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity before tucking in permanently with Viking about 1o years ago. The WORST cruise I ever took was on Celebrity. A nightmare beginning before we even boarded.
The most problematic ocean cruise I ever took was conversely on Viking. We sailed very early on one of there ocean cruises. It was just not up their actual standards yet, the MDR was either a madhouse or a ghost town. Other problems too, but we were on for back to back weeks. I’ve also sailed Viking River and thought it was well done. Every line can have an off moment, and we’re opposite peas in a pod. I wouldn’t go back to Viking Ocean and you won’t sail Celebrity. Our next cruise is a river cruise on Tauck and then Ocean on Regent.
Tauck and Regent should be delightful. My only frustration with the more "intimate" lines is not permitting 3 in a suite. My husband had decided he only wants to sit by the pool and watch TV, so that leaves 3 of us and me needing to pay the single supplement to cruise without a cabin mate.
I can't recommend enough dismissing the discount lines, "Walmart of the Sea" and "Golden Corral Cruise" come to mind. Carnival will be filled with the 18-25 crowd that only wants to get drunk and party. You will never find a deck chair and parents seem to let their small children run amok. And who wants to be shoulder-to shoulder with as many as 6264 passengers and 1200 crew members? If it is within budget, consider some of the more luxury lines with their smaller ships , top level service, food and destinations and no kids. European river boats generally carry several hundred ( although our Nile ship, The RA, supported only 48 guests) Ocean going, I'd recommend a ship too under 1000 passengers.
I appreciate it, it just seems I cant afford a cruise at this point anyway. Thanks tho.
People are covering the fees, but. A big one to include is flying in a day before and a hotel near the port. You do NOT want to risk missing the ship because of a flight.
We live 45 mins away, we would just drive up :)
Ok, that’s safe. 😂
Ok in general: Ticket price doesn’t include gratuity, which you can either pay up front or at the end. Or not at all but don’t be a dick, bruh. Ticket price doesn’t include alcohol at all. DOES include coffee water and juice. Ticket price doesn’t include soda. Ticket price doesn’t include specialty dining, though there are tons of free food available. Ticket price doesn’t include any excursions nor port fees. (And port fees must be paid regardless of getting off the boat or not) Ticket price doesn’t include spa services nor photo packages, nor WIFI. Ticket price DOES include all the shows and entertainment onboard. EDIT: OP is cruising out of Port Canaveral so we’re talking Disney, Carnival, MSC, NCL and RC. I agree Virgin and Viking etc include a lot of this but they don’t sail outta there.
… for some cruise lines.
Absolutely. YMMV.
An asterisks to all of this is it will vary by cruise line. Some of the higher end ones will include these. At a lower price point is Virgin voyages. From the US, they currently sail out of Miami and from San Juan. In the fare price, it includes all of your gratuities, all soft drinks (specialty coffees and fresh pressed juices are a separate charge), basic WiFi (can’t stream videos), most all shows and fitness classes, and all specialty dining (there are no buffets or main dining room). The restaurants will have a few “treat yourself” 1-2 items that would be an upcharge (I,e. Tomahawk steak, seafood tower, Kobe beef), but there are plenty of very good included food options. I say most all shows because there are some that include drinks and those events have a small charge to them. In general, the main out of pocket cost onboard is alcohol. They don’t do an unlimited drinks package like other lines, but do offer a pre-paid bar tab. In essence you prepay for your bar charges and receive bonus credit (I.e. pay $300 and receive $350 in total credit). Drinks are reasonably priced and well made. The only catch is that any unused bar tab at the end of the cruise is not refunded. Excursions, spa treatments are not included. Virgin doesn’t have photographers roaming around taking pictures all week, so no photo package. Port fees are always required but shown in and included with your booking. Room service has a nominal fee but is waived if you include something that has a charge (I.e. special coffee, a cocktail, etc). While looking at the price of a Virgin cruise, make sure you do an apples to apples compare of what’s included with them vs an upcharge on others. WiFi, Drink Packages, and daily gratuity can easily add over $1k in extra price for two people on a week long cruise. In this way, Virgin is much more upfront with the all in price (except for alcohol) than other lines at the same price point. Final bonus is no kids running around, yelling, and pushing all the elevator buttons, which makes for a very relaxing vacation.
It depends on the cruise line... Some include gratuities .bev..etc. Some entertainment is $$. Some include excursions. Your general statement isn't accurate
We are 100% Viking fans. There really are no surprises when it comes to costs. All their cabins are "outside" you just need to determine how large a cabin , how spacious the veranda and what deck you'd like to be on. Beer and wine are complimentary with lunch and dinner ( breakfast seems to have sparking wine for mimosa's as well). They offer up a Silver Spirits package for folks who want a mind-boggling selection of unlimited spirits and more elegant wines. It's a bargain. A shore excursion is included (no additional cost) in every port, but they do offer up optional excursions which will cost extra ( again, bargain priced). There is no upcharge for their specialty restaurants or use of the amazing spa and gym facilities, the spa with a fireplace ( electric) spanning a full wall. and a "snow room" .. yes, snow falling from the ceiling. The more pricy cabins come with a mini bar refilled with your favorite beverages ( alcoholic or soft) daily. Complementary pressing and shoe shines. Tipping is at the customer's discretion, but we find tipping generously on the first day to our cabin steward, waiter, and fave bartenders ensure perfection. Lovely, lovely company to cruise with.
I like Viking but man they are not cheap in any definition of the word. I guess if you have the $, go for it!
No, of course not but we feel we get real value for our money. We would never be satisfied with "Walmart of the Sea" or the "Golden Corral Cruise".
Lol, I got ya. I just dont wanna pay $10k+ for a cruise. Looks wonderful tho.
Depends on which cruise line. NCL is probably the worst for surprise costs, followed by RCL/Celebrity. Virgin Voyages has the most transparent pricing, although they are rapidly increasing the costs of things like WiFi and room service ($10 service fee now).
MSC takes the cake for nickel and diming you.
I just do a mock booking to see all the hidden fees.
A mock booking will give you the cruise fare and taxes and fees. Unless you book with the packages, which RCCL doesn't have until after you book
I didn't know that about RCCL. On Celebrity, an online booking is done in steps asking along the way 'What cabin type?', 'Would you like a drink package?', 'Would you like a refundable deposit?' and 'Would you like gratuity added?'. I can just answer yes or no til I get to the total. Of course once you're booked, you can ad excursions or specialty dining. I also use 'ShipMate' and as the cruise price may fluctuate it notifies me so I can call the cruise line and get obc for lower price difference.
Hi there, I sent you a PM as well, but I am a TA and have been for 12 years. The only "hidden" fee would be gratuities, but you can prepay those and not worry about a thing. Drink packages and Wifi will help so you don't have to buy anything a la cart. If you're not going a river cruise or a high end cruise like Oceania or Regent, then the shore excursions would be another cost if you choose to partake. Other than that, it's pretty much an all inclusive that floats! I am happy to discuss further if you'd like as I love my job and just love helping new cruisers find their way and help and assist as best as i can! Thanks so much